Alex Salmond death – latest: Nicola Sturgeon pays tribute to ‘mentor’ ex-Scottish first minister

Tributes have poured in for the longtime Scottish first minister Alex Salmond after his sudden death aged 69 shocked the world of politics in which he was a senior figure for decades.

The current Alba leader passed away on Saturday afternoon at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum in the North Macedonia lake-resort town of Ohrid, the party’s general secretary Chris McEleny confirmed.

He had made a speech at the event, and the party said it understood he suffered a heart attack at lunch in a crowded room, although there will be a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death.

Mr Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the Scottish National Party on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014, with contemporaries from across the political spectrum expressing their condolences.

British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer led the tributes, describing Mr Salmond as a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics” for more than 30 years.

Former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon paid tribute to her “mentor”, while Scotland’s current first minister John Swinney said Mr Salmond “fought fearlessly” for Scottish independence.

Alba Party deputy leader Kenny MacAskill said the party “grieves the loss of their founder and leader”.

Key Points

• Tributes pour in for longtime Scottish first minister Alex Salmond who has died aged 69

• Sturgeon pays tribute to ‘mentor' Salmond

• King says he and Queen are ‘greatly saddened to hear of sudden death of Alex Salmond'

• Starmer leads tributes to Salmond calling him a ‘monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics’

• First Minister of Scotland Swinney pays tribute to Salmond who ‘fought fearlessly for country he loved'

• Alba Party deputy leader says party ‘grieves loss of founder and leader'

Tributes pour in for longtime Scottish first minister Alex Salmond who has died aged 69

Saturday 12 October 2024 18:13 , Tara Cobham

Tributes have poured in for the longtime Scottish first ministerAlex Salmond who has died aged 69.

The Alba Party leader served as First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the Scottish National Party on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014.

British prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has led the tributes to Mr Salmond, describing him as a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics”.

Former prime minister and leader of the UK opposition Rishi Sunak said Mr Salmond was a “huge figure in our politics”.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said Mr Salmond was “a central figure in politics for over three decades”.

Sunak pays tribute to Mr Salmond as ‘huge figure in our politics'

Saturday 12 October 2024 18:16 , Tara Cobham

Former British prime minister Rishi Sunak paid tribute to Mr Salmond as a “huge figure in our politics”.

In a tribute posted on X, the Conservative Party leader added: “While I disagreed with him on the constitutional question, there was no denying his skill in debate or his passion for politics. May he rest in peace.”

Starmer leads tributes to Salmond calling him a ‘monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics’

Saturday 12 October 2024 18:17 , Tara Cobham

Sir Keir Starmer has led the tributes pouring in for Alex Salmond, calling him a “monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics”.

The British prime minister said: “For more than 30 years, Alex Salmond was a monumental figure of Scottish and UK politics. He leaves behind a lasting legacy.

“As First Minister of Scotland he cared deeply about Scotland’s heritage, history and culture, as well as the communities he represented as MP and MSP over many years of service.

“My thoughts are with those who knew him, his family and his loved ones. On behalf of the UK government, I offer them our condolences today.”

Full story: Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond dies aged 69

Saturday 12 October 2024 18:19 , Tara Cobham

Tributes have flooded in for former Scottish first ministerAlex Salmond, who has died aged 69.

The Alba Party leader, who served as Scotland’s first minister between 2007 and 2014, passed away on Saturday after giving a speech in North Macedonia.

Describing his death as “sudden” and “a shock”, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar paid tribute to Mr Salmond as “a central figure in politics for over three decades”.

Read the full story here:

Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond dies aged 69

Scottish Labour leader Sarwar praises Salmond as ‘central figure in politics for over three decades'

Saturday 12 October 2024 18:20 , Tara Cobham

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar praised Mr Salmond as “a central figure in politics for over three decades”.

In a statement, Mr Sarwar said: “The sad news of Alex Salmond’s passing today will come as a shock to all who knew him in Scotland, across the UK and beyond.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time and on behalf of Scottish Labour I offer our sincere condolences to all who will be mourning his loss.

“Alex was a central figure in politics for over three decades and his contribution to the Scottish political landscape can not be overstated.”

‘Impossible to overstate impact Salmond had on Scotland and our politics,’ says Scottish secretary

Saturday 12 October 2024 18:22 , Tara Cobham

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray has said that “it is impossible to overstate the impact Alex Salmond had on Scotland and on our politics”.

Mr Murray continued: “He served the country he loved as First Minister and will be dearly missed by many.

“My thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time. Rest in peace.”

Scottish Conservative leader praised Salmond as ‘formidable and impressive’ politician

Saturday 12 October 2024 18:25 , Tara Cobham

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has said Alex Salmond will be remembered as a “formidable and impressive” politician.

In a statement, Mr Findlay said: “I am shocked and saddened to hear of Alex Salmond’s sudden passing.

“No matter our political beliefs, we can all respect his dedication to public service as an MSP, MP and First Minister of Scotland.

“He will be remembered as a formidable and impressive politician who made a lasting impact on our country.

“The thoughts of everyone in the Scottish Conservative Party are with his family and friends.”

First Minister of Scotland Swinney pays tribute to Salmond who ‘fought fearlessly for country he loved'

Saturday 12 October 2024 18:30 , Tara Cobham

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney has paid tribute to Alex Salmond as a politician who “worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her independence”.

In a statement, Mr Swinney said: “I am deeply shocked and saddened at the untimely death of the former First Minister Alex Salmond and I extend my deepest condolences to Alex’s wife Moira and to his family.

“Alex worked tirelessly and fought fearlessly for the country that he loved and for her Independence. He took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into Government and led Scotland so close to becoming an Independent country.

“There will be much more opportunity to reflect in the coming days, but today all of our thoughts are with Alex’s family, and his many friends and right across the political spectrum.”

Watch: Former First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond dies aged 69

Saturday 12 October 2024 18:38 , Tara Cobham

SNP describes Salmond as 'titan of the independence movement’

Saturday 12 October 2024 18:53 , Tara Cobham

The Scottish National Party has paid tribute to its former leader, describing him as “a titan of the independence movement”.

Mr Salmond served as first minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014.

In a post on X, the SNP said: “Alex Salmond, former leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland, has died.

“His leadership brought the SNP into the mainstream and the Scottish Government.

“He was a titan of the independence movement.

“Our thoughts are with Moira and his family.”

Saturday 12 October 2024 18:59 , Tara Cobham

Former Scotland first minister Humza Yousaf has praised the “enormous contribution” Alex Salmond made to Scottish and UK politics.

In a post on X, Mr Yousaf said: “Alex and I obviously had our differences in the last few years, but there's no doubt about the enormous contribution he made to Scottish and UK politics. As well as helping to transform the SNP into the dominant political force it is today.

“My condolences to his family and friends.”

Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer offers condolences as flags at Scottish parliament lowered

Saturday 12 October 2024 19:01 , Tara Cobham

Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer has offered her condolences to Alex Salmond’s loved ones, as she announced that flags at the Scottish parliament have been lowered.

Alison Johnstone said: “On behalf of the Scottish Parliament, on the sad news of the passing of Rt Hon Alex Salmond, First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014, my most sincere condolences to his wife Moira, his family and friends at this difficult time.

“Our thoughts are with you. Flags at the Parliament have been lowered as a mark of respect.”

Sturgeon pays tribute to ‘mentor' Salmond

Saturday 12 October 2024 19:08 , Tara Cobham

Former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to her “mentor” Alex Salmond.

Ms Sturgeon said: "I am shocked and sorry to learn of Alex Salmond's death.

"Obviously, I cannot pretend that the events of the past few years which led to the breakdown of our relationship did not happen, and it would not be right for me to try.

"However, it remains the fact that for many years Alex was an incredibly significant figure in my life. He was my mentor, and for more than a decade we formed one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics.

"Alex modernised the SNP and led us into government for the first time, becoming Scotland's fourth First Minister and paving the way for the 2014 referendum which took Scotland to the brink of independence.

"He will be remembered for all of that. My thoughts are with Moira, his wider family and his friends."

Former Scottish Tory leader Ross describes Salmond as ‘towering figure in Scottish politics'

Saturday 12 October 2024 19:20 , Tara Cobham

Former Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross has described Alex Salmond as a “towering figure in Scottish politics”.

In a post on X, the MSP said: "Alex Salmond made a huge impact in the North East and across the whole country.

"While we had opposing political views, he was a towering figure in Scottish politics which he dominated for many years.

"My thoughts are with Moira and his family and friends at this difficult time."

Scotland’s ‘finest’ first minister and a ‘loyal friend’: Veteran SNP politician’s devastation at Salmond’s death

Saturday 12 October 2024 19:23 , Tara Cobham

Veteran SNP politician Joanna Cherry has described her devastation at the news Alex Salmond – Scotland’s “finest” first minister and her “loyal friend”– has died.

She said: "I am devastated to hear that Alex Salmond has died. He was one of the most talented politicians of his generation, and, by any measure, the finest First Minister our country has had. He changed the face of Scottish politics.

"Sadly, he was ill used by some of his former comrades, and I am sorry that he has not lived to see his vindication. I shall remember him as an inspiration and a loyal friend. My heartfelt condolences go to Moira, his family, and all who loved him."

Journalist Neil remembers Salmond as ‘most significant Scottish politician of modern times’

Saturday 12 October 2024 19:29 , Tara Cobham

Journalist Andrew Neil has remembered Alex Salmond as “the most accomplished and significant Scottish politician of modern times”.

In a post on X, Mr Neil said: “So sad to learn that Alex Salmond has died.

“I had lunch with him in London only three weeks ago – an epic lunch as it transpired, as was fitting with Alex – and he was in fine form. Full of plans and plots. He even paid! His upbeat mood then make this all the more surprising and sad.

“He and I could not have been more different in terms of Scotland’s position in the UK but we had a mutual respect and he knew I always regarded him as the most accomplished and significant Scottish politician of modern times.

“He was also the best of company. To be with him was always a joy. I will miss him hugely. So will Scotland.

“My condolences to his wonderful wife.”

Alba Party deputy leader says party ‘grieves loss of founder and leader'

Saturday 12 October 2024 19:34 , Tara Cobham

Alba Party deputy leader Kenny MacAskill said the party “grieves the loss of their founder and leader” Alex Salmond after he died suddenly on Saturday.

Mr MacAskill said that Mr Salmond “was the outstanding Scottish politician not just of his generation but for generations far before. Recognised at home and respected abroad”.

He continued: “He was not just a master political tactician but strategist. Yet also a politician who was a superb debater and orator. But one who equally possessed extraordinary charm and a common touch ,which endeared him to so many in Scotland.

“His record speaks for itself in moulding the modern SNP, forming the first independence administration and delivering both an unprecedented Holyrood majority and a referendum on independence. His legacy lives on and has benefited Scotland immensely with infrastructure and other social and economic gains testifying to that.

“The actions of individuals and later administrations undoubtedly took their toll upon him. Courts will still rightly decide upon the actions of individuals whose behaviour towards him was deplorable and shameful.

“But he had yet again risen to the challenges he had faced. Forging a media career and establishing the Alba Party, laying the groundwork for ensuring independence remained on the agenda and that a route to achieve it could once again be found.

“The party grieves the loss of their founder and leader. Our thoughts are with Moira and his family.

“But the dream he cherished so closely and came so close to delivering will never die.”

Watch: Alex Salmond discusses future plans in video posted hours before his death

Saturday 12 October 2024 19:35 , Tara Cobham

Alex Salmond discusses future political plans in video posted hours before his death

Alba leader at Holyrood describes Salmond as a ‘tour de force in politics'

Saturday 12 October 2024 19:38 , Tara Cobham

Ash Regan, Edinburgh Eastern MSP and Alba leader at Holyrood, has described Alex Salmond as a “tour de force in politics”.

He posted on X: “A tour de force in politics, who took us close to independence. Alex had the nation believe in itself. My thoughts to his family, friends and all those who he inspired to dream.”

Relationship between Salmond and Sturgeon fractured in later years

Saturday 12 October 2024 19:48 , Tara Cobham

The years following Brexit would see a fracturing of the relationship between Mr Salmond and Ms Sturgeon, culminating in the launch of his rival Scottish independence party, Alba, in 2021.

In 2016, after the vote to leave the EU, Mr Salmond made no secret of his preference for a second vote sooner rather than later – pre-empting the first minister’s autumn 2018 to spring 2019 timetable.

The pair’s relationship broke down following complaints about Mr Salmond’s behaviour while first minister from two Government employees.

The handling of the complaints would subsequently be found to have been “tainted by apparent bias”, according to a judge at the Court of Session who awarded Mr Salmond more than £500,000.

After he was cleared of accusations of sexual assault against nine women, including a charge of attempted rape, Mr Salmond accused senior figures in government of a plot to jail him, which Ms Sturgeon described as “absurd” in a hearing of a specially convened Holyrood inquiry.

Ms Sturgeon would later have her own troubles, announcing her resignation as party leader and first minister in February last year. She was arrested and questioned by police just a few months later in connection with an investigation into the funding and finances of the SNP.

Salmond delivered Scottish independence referendum but ultimately lost

Saturday 12 October 2024 19:53 , Tara Cobham

Returning as leader of the Scottish National Party in 2004, Alex Salmond guided his party to a narrow Scottish election win in 2007 and then led a minority government as he became Scotland’s first SNP First Minister – a feat many thought was unachievable.

That success was superseded in the 2011 election, when Mr Salmond led his party to an unprecedented victory, with a crushing defeat of its main rival and pre-election poll leaders, Labour.

The majority win was even more impressive considering the voting system at Holyrood is essentially designed to prevent such a result.

It meant the SNP’s manifesto pledge to hold an independence referendum could be delivered.

Mr Salmond signed the Edinburgh Agreement with David Cameron on 15 October 2012, setting out the terms of the referendum to held in 2014.

Despite attempts by some in the Yes camp to move the focus away from him, Mr Salmond was seen across the UK – and the wider world – as synonymous with the Scottish independence movement during the campaign.

As the 18 September vote drew closer, the polls narrowed, and Yes Scotland appeared to have the momentum. Many wondered whether the first minister could become the ultimate Scottish political history-maker.

But the result – a 55 per cent to 45 per cent vote to stay in the UK – led to his resignation on 19 September.

In pictures: Alex Salmond’s decades at forefront of Scottish and UK politics

Saturday 12 October 2024 19:59 , Tara Cobham

Jeremy Corbyn praised Salmond as ‘formidable, determined and principled to his core'

Saturday 12 October 2024 20:02 , Tara Cobham

Jeremy Corbyn has praised Alex Salmond as “formidable, determined and principled to his core”.

In a post on X, the former Labour Party leader said: “Very sad to hear of Alex Salmond’s passing.

“He was formidable, determined and principled to his core.

“We will miss his tenacity and humour most. My thoughts are with his family and friends in Scotland and around the world.”

SNP group leader at Westminster praises Salmond for shaping SNP and Scotland

Saturday 12 October 2024 20:16 , Tara Cobham

SNP group leader at Westminster Stephen Flynn has praised Alex Salmond for shaping “not just the modern story of the SNP, but of Scotland as a whole”.

The MP said: “Alex Salmond shaped not just the modern story of the SNP, but of Scotland as a whole.

“For many of us who joined the path to independence, we did so on a route that he had carved. I am immeasurably sad that Alex has not lived to see us reach the end of that journey.”

Salmond ‘made a huge difference’, says SNP MSP Martin

Saturday 12 October 2024 20:30 , Tara Cobham

SNP MSP for Aberdeenshire East Gillian Martin said Mr Salmond was “an ever-present figure in Scottish politics who made a huge difference”.

In a post on social media, Ms Martin added: “I was fortunate to spend time with him as a candidate taking on his former seat of Aberdeenshire East.

“An ever-present figure in Scottish politics who made a huge difference.”

The rise of Alex Salmond who succeeded in reshaping Scottish politics beyond recognition

Saturday 12 October 2024 20:45 , Tara Cobham

He was the fierce campaigner and master tactician who succeeded in reshaping Scottish politics beyond recognition.

Loved and loathed in equal measure, but few could deny Alex Salmond’s immense impact both north – and south – of the border.

History will remember Mr Salmond, who has died aged 69, as the leader who took the SNP to the brink of achieving the party’s dream of independence in 2014 – arguably no one has done as much as Mr Salmond to advance the nationalist cause.

Born in Linlithgow in 1954, Alexander Elliot Anderson Salmond was educated at Linlithgow Academy and St Andrew’s University, where he first joined the SNP.

Graduating with a degree in economics and history, he worked as an economist for both the Government Economic Service and the Royal Bank of Scotland before being elected as an MP for the Banff and Buchan constituency in 1987.

His election at Westminster followed a turbulent period for the SNP, which saw its number of seats fall from 11 to two in the 1979 general election.

He characterised his early time at Westminster as “a one-man campaign of parliamentary disruption” – best illustrated when he was ejected from the chamber during the 1988 budget.

As a young and brash newcomer, Mr Salmond played a role in the breakaway faction of the party known as the “79 Group” which sought to take a more left-wing stance.

His brief expulsion as a result did not hinder his advancement within the party in the long term, with his election to leader coming in 1990.

With the creation of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, he went on to serve as leader of the opposition at Holyrood, while retaining his seat at Westminster.

He stood down as SNP leader in 2000 and left the Scottish Parliament in 2001.

Returning as leader in 2004, he guided his party to a narrow Scottish election win in 2007 and then led a minority government as he became Scotland’s first SNP First Minister – a feat many thought was unachievable.

Away from the constitution, Alex Salmond’s time as first minister was eventful

Saturday 12 October 2024 21:00 , Tara Cobham

Away from the constitution, Alex Salmond’s time as first minister was eventful.

His handling of planning for Donald Trump’s Scottish golf course; his dealings with newspaper boss Rupert Murdoch; the details of his expenses; a row over EU legal advice; and Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill’s decision to free Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds were among the controversial moments.

Elsewhere, popular policies such as free university tuition, free prescriptions, a freeze on council tax, and Mr Salmond’s seemingly innate talent for outmanoeuvring his political opponents helped to assure electoral success.

Outside politics, Mr Salmond married his partner, Moira, in 1981. He was a keen golfer and a fan of horse racing.

Salmond described decision to step down as SNP leader after referendum vote as ‘mistake’

Saturday 12 October 2024 21:20 , Tara Cobham

As recently as September of this year, Alex Salmond said he regretted his decision to step down as leader of the Scottish National Party the day after the referendum vote, describing it as a “mistake”.

Speaking in a documentary by ITV Border about the 10th anniversary of the independence referendum – named A Decade of Debate – Mr Salmond said he would not have handed the reins to Nicola Sturgeon at the time had he known how the next 10 years would play out.

In the decade since the vote, support for independence has remained fairly static, leaving Mr Salmond frustrated by what he saw as a lack of action on the part of the SNP-run Scottish Government to secure another vote.

King says he and Queen are ‘greatly saddened to hear of sudden death of Alex Salmond'

Saturday 12 October 2024 21:40 , Tara Cobham

The King has said he and the Queen are “greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond”.

In a message issued by Buckingham Palace, Charles also said: “His devotion to Scotland drove his decades of public service.

“We extend our deep condolences to his family and loved ones at this time.”

Salmond understood to have died at lunch in crowded room after suffering heart attack

Saturday 12 October 2024 22:00 , Tara Cobham

Alex Salmond is understood to have died at lunch in a crowded room after suffering a heart attack.

The current Alba leader died on Saturday afternoon at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum in the North Macedonia lake-resort town of Ohrid, Chris McEleny, the party’s general secretary, confirmed.

Mr Salmond had made a speech at the event, and the party said it understood he suffered a heart attack, although there will be a post-mortem examination to confirm the cause of death.

Full story: King ‘greatly saddened’ by sudden death of former SNP leader

Saturday 12 October 2024 23:13 , Tara Cobham

The King has said he is “greatly saddened” to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond, Scotland’s first SNP first minister, at the age of 69.

The Alba leader died on Saturday afternoon from a suspected heart attack during a trip to North Macedonia.

King Charles said in a message issued by Buckingham Palace: “My wife and I are greatly saddened to hear of the sudden death of Alex Salmond.”

Read the full story here:

King ‘greatly saddened’ by sudden death of former SNP leader Alex Salmond

Boris Johnson describes Salmond as ‘one of the great political disruptors of the age’

Sunday 13 October 2024 00:00 , Tara Cobham

Former prime minister Boris Johnson said Alex Salmond was “one of the great political disruptors of the age” and “the father of modern Scottish nationalism”.

Paying tribute, Mr Johnson added: “He was charismatic, clever, caustic and fearsome in debate.

“I am glad that he never succeeded in breaking up the union but very sad that he is gone.”

Death of ex-Scotland First Minister Alex Salmond shocks political world

01:00 , Tara Cobham

Alex Salmond, Scotland’s first SNP first minister, has died suddenly at the age of 69, shocking the world of politics where he was a senior figure for decades.

The current Alba leader died on Saturday afternoon at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum in the North Macedonia lake-resort town of Ohrid, Chris McEleny, the party’s general secretary, confirmed.

Mr Salmond served as First Minister of Scotland from 2007 to 2014 and was leader of the SNP on two occasions, from 1990 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2014.

Helen Corbett reports:

Death of ex-Scotland First Minister Alex Salmond shocks political world

Salmond stepped down as SNP leader but never stepped back from frontline politics

02:00 , Tara Cobham

After Alex Salmond took the Scottish independence cause to “base camp” with the referendum, it was someone else’s turn to make a bid for the summit after the ‘Yes’ vote lost.

Borrowing from Ted Kennedy upon his resignation as SNP leader, Mr Salmond said: “For me as leader my time is nearly over but, for Scotland, the campaign continues and the dream shall never die.”

The speech marked the end of the Salmond era, with his deputy Nicola Sturgeon taking the helm as SNP leader and First Minister by November.

But those who thought he would step back from frontline politics were mistaken, with Mr Salmond announcing his intention to return to Westminster by standing in the 2015 general election.

He won the Gordon seat, and returned, alongside 55 SNP MPs, to the House of Commons, standing down as an MSP at the 2016 Scottish elections.

As the party’s foreign affairs spokesman, and with a UK-wide profile thanks to the independence referendum, Mr Salmond became one of Westminster’s biggest names.

As the 2016 EU referendum rolled around, he was often seen giving television interviews, and could even be heard on his own weekly radio phone-in show.

Many suspected Mr Salmond still had the ear of Ms Sturgeon, although despite never being short of opinions, he insisted moves towards a second independence vote were hers to make.

Even before Brexit, he seemed certain that Scotland’s fate had been fixed: “The destination is set. We’re now just arguing about the timetable,” he said in 2015.

In 2016, after the vote to leave the EU, he made no secret of his preference for a second vote sooner rather than later – pre-empting the first minister’s autumn 2018 to spring 2019 timetable.

Salmond said he was unsure if his relationship with Sturgeon could ever be mended

03:00 , Tara Cobham

Alex Salmond said he was unsure if his relationship with Nicola Sturgeon could ever be mended.

Speaking in a BBC documentary, Salmond And Sturgeon: A Troubled Union, which was broadcast last month, he said: “I don’t really do hurt feelings very much … but it’s a big regret that Nicola and I are no longer on speaking terms.”

Reflecting on her relationship with Mr Salmond and its breakdown, Ms Sturgeon said he was “for a long time, a very positive force in my life”, adding: “But I think I had to learn how to be myself.”

Watch: Salmond discusses future political plans in video posted hours before his death

04:00 , Tara Cobham

Sturgeon acknowledges breakdown in relationship with Salmond but pays tribute to ‘significant figure'

05:00 , Tara Cobham

Former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon acknowledges “breakdown” in relationship with Alex Salmond, but pays tribute to “incredibly significant figure” in her life.

She said: “I am shocked and sorry to learn of Alex Salmond’s death.

“Obviously, I cannot pretend that the events of the past few years which led to the breakdown of our relationship did not happen, and it would not be right for me to try.

“However, it remains the fact that for many years Alex was an incredibly significant figure in my life. He was my mentor, and for more than a decade we formed one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics.

“Alex modernised the SNP and led us into government for the first time, becoming Scotland’s fourth First Minister and paving the way for the 2014 referendum which took Scotland to the brink of independence.

“He will be remembered for all of that. My thoughts are with Moira, his wider family and his friends.”

Deputy first minister of Scotland Kate Forbes describes Salmond’s ‘monumental’ impact

06:00 , Tara Cobham

Deputy first minister of Scotland Kate Forbes has described Alex Salmond’s impact on Scotland, the Scottish National Party and the independence movement as “monumental”.

In a post on X, she said: “It is impossible to process the news of the sudden death of Alex Salmond. The impact he had on Scotland, our party and the independence movement was monumental. Like me, many will be in shock tonight, and my thoughts are with Moira, his wider family and his closest friends.”

‘Scotland is a country not a county’: Alex Salmond’s final messages on X/Twitter just before death

07:00 , Tara Cobham

Former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond penned a series of poignant X posts about Scottish independence just before his sudden death at the age of 69.

Contemporaries from across the political spectrum expressed their condolences and shock at his death, with many referencing his passion for Scotland and fight for Scottish independence.

Fittingly, Mr Salmond’s final posts on X, formerly Twitter, were about the cause that was so important to him, with “Scotland is a country not a county” being his last words posted on the social media platform.

Read more here:

‘Scotland is a country not a county’: Alex Salmond’s final messages on X/Twitter

Major controversies of Alex Salmond’s long career at heart of Scottish politics

07:37 , Holly Evans

Alex Salmond was a colourful politician who never shied away from controversy over his long and storied career in Scottish politics.

From falling out with former allies at the SNP to forming his own political party, his personality loomed large over the country’s political landscape.

Here are some of the more controversial moments in the Alba leader’s career:

Read the full article here:

Major controversies of Alex Salmond’s long career at heart of Scottish politics

SNP leader pays tribute to Alex Salmond

09:12 , Holly Evans

Scotland’s First Minister and SNP leader John Swinney said he “took the Scottish National Party from the fringes of Scottish politics into government and led Scotland so close to becoming an independent country”.

His former colleague Nicola Sturgeon acknowledged the “breakdown” of her relationship with Mr Salmond but praised him for taking Scotland to the “brink of independence”.

“He was my mentor, and for more than a decade we formed one of the most successful partnerships in UK politics,” she wrote.

Kenny MacAskill, Alba’s deputy leader, said the party “grieves the loss of their founder and leader” but that “the dream he cherished so closely and came so close to delivering will never die.”

Tony Blair said he was 'very sorry’ to hear of Alex Salmond’s death

09:37 , Alexander Butler

The former prime minister and Labour Party leader said: “Very sorry to hear the news about Alex Salmond.

“Whatever our disagreements he was a huge figure in Scottish and UK politics and was clearly dedicated to Scotland and its people.

“My deep condolences to his wife Moira and his wider family and friends.”

Brian Cox pays tribute to ‘one of the greatest political thinkers’

10:12 , Holly Evans

Actor Brian Cox has said former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond was “one of the greatest political thinkers” the British Isles has ever produced.

Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, he said: “He was a lot of fun.

“He was very entertaining. He had great humanity, he was probably I think one of the greatest political thinkers, certainly Scotland has ever produced, and I think possibly these islands have ever produced.

“He was an extraordinary man. I think his essential appeal was his humanity and how he came across to other people.”

He said when he first met Mr Salmond he was a disillusioned Labour supporter.

“I felt the one place where social democracy was happening was back in my own country, so I suddenly had to rethink my own feelings and Alex enabled me to do that,” he said.

Alex Salmond was a ‘formidable campaigner’

10:51 , Holly Evans

Jonathan Reynolds has said Alex Salmond was an “incredibly big figure” and “formidable campaigner”.

“(He was) an incredibly big figure in Scottish and UK politics, a formidable campaigner to be on the other side from as a Unionist.

“I could recognise in him, even though we had a different point of view, a passion for Scotland that underpinned everything he did,” the Business Secretary told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips.

Mr Reynolds told Laura Kuenssberg: “I always felt, despite being for independence, he knew how to use the House of Commons, he was at home in that environment, and a huge contribution to politics, no doubt about that.”

Salmond inspired a ‘generation of people to believe in Scottish independence’

11:07 , Holly Evans

Scottish First Minster John Swinney said Alex Salmond “left a fundamental footprint on Scottish politics”.

Speaking on Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Mr Swinney said his predecessor “Inspired a generation of people to believe in Scottish independence, and that generation is still believing in Scottish independence, and still wants Scottish independence”.

Asked about his abiding memory of Mr Salmond, the First Minister said: “Obviously, I worked very closely with Alex Salmond, and I suspect the moment where I was most touched by what he did was when I was driving to Edinburgh on the day after the 2007 election, and I listened to him speaking on the radio when he arrived in Edinburgh, and he talked about Scotland had changed and changed forever and would never be the same again because of our election win in 2007.

“And it was a deeply emotional moment for me, because I heard my party leader at the time indicating that we’d taken a colossal step forward on our journey to independence, and I fondly remember that moment, and what it meant to me is signifying the progress that we had made.”

Conference where Alex Salmond died ‘completely shocked'

11:43 , Holly Evans

A leader of the conference in North Macedonia where Alex Salmond spent his last few days said the forum is “in a state of shock” over his death.

Mark Donfried, director of the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy, told the PA news agency: “He was here the last few days, he gave excellent participation two days ago at the panel discussion.

“He was really in the best of spirits, the best of health, and I was sitting across from him at lunch yesterday when all of a sudden he just went out and fell into the arms of a colleague of mine on the other side of the table. I immediately got up and ran to call an ambulance and when I came back, he was on the floor.”

Mr Donfried added: “We’re all completely shocked – the entire hotel, the conference, it’s been very difficult for all of us.

“He was a great man who we all looked up to and so we’re still all in a state of shock.

“Last night, we had a brief moment of reflection on his legacy.

“There was a humility with Alex, he had an authenticity, it was amazing to see how he’d touched individuals he had only known for a few days.”

Alba Party says Salmond’s death as a ‘loss for the nation of Scotland’

12:15 , Holly Evans

Alba Party deputy leader Kenny MacAskill has described Alex Salmond’s death as “a loss for the nation of Scotland”.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Mr MacAskill said: “His lifetime has delivered so much. His political record as unsurpassed, I think, in Scottish politics, not simply in his generation, but going back many generations. This is a man who took a small party, persuaded me and others to join it, when Scotland was to some extent, and certainly the nationalist community, on his knees.

“There was no Scottish Parliament. There seemed no likelihood of there one coming, and independence was viewed as a fanciful dream. This is a man who got us to a situation where we have a Holyrood parliament. We came within a whisker of independence in a referendum. And where independence now polls regularly not far off 50%. That is the legacy of Alex Salmond, that one man delivered so much more.”

Asked about how Mr Salmond was affected by the lack of electoral success of the Alba party, which he set up in 2021, Mr MacAskill said: “When I was last meeting with him, and it wasn’t that long ago, very, very recently, things were coming together for Alex, and indeed, things are looking far more propitious for the Alba party.

“Alex was chirpy and cheery. He was always a cheery chap in many ways, certainly gave that public perception, even when privately there were issues challenging. But as I say, I think Alex had already founded the modern SNP, taking it to success, and he was embarking on doing it yet again in a different political party.”

He added that it was too soon to think about what Mr Salmond’s death means for the Alba party, saying: “At the present moment, this is a time to grieve. It’s the time to reflect on Alex’s legacy. But I think all of us who are in the Alba party share Alex’s comments that the dream shall never die.”

Read the full story: Former first minister of Scotland Alex Salmond dies after aged 69

12:50 , Holly Evans

Tributes have flooded in for former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond, who has died aged 69.

The Alba Party leader, who served as Scotland’s first minister between 2007 and 2014, passed away on Saturday after giving a speech in North Macedonia.

Describing his death as “sudden” and “a shock”, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar paid tribute to Mr Salmond as “a central figure in politics for over three decades”.

Read the full article here:

Former first minister of Scotland Alex Salmond dies aged 69

Watch: Alex Salmond speaks at North Macedonia conference hours before his death

13:39 , Holly Evans

Watch: Alex Salmond speaks at North Macedonia conference hours before his death

Alex Salmond ‘did more than anybody else’ for independence

14:24 , Holly Evans

Elections expert Sir John Curtice said Alex Salmond “did more than anybody else” to make independence central to the debate about Scotland’s future.

Speaking to Sky News On Sunday, Sir John said: “The truth is Mr Salmond is probably the person who did more than anybody else to move the argument about independence, and indeed his party, the Scottish Nationalist Party, from being a relatively fringe interest that never looked as though it was going to happen to be something that is now central to the debate about the future of Scotland,” he said.

He said the issue “continues to be central” even though the argument in favour was rejected by 55% of people in the 2014 independence referendum.

“So to that extent, yes, Mr Salmond didn’t succeed in delivering independence for his country, but he certainly ensured that the question as to whether or not Scotland should or should not be independent has become a central issue of Scottish politics,” he said.

What next for the Alba party following Salmond death?

16:00 , Holly Evans

With the sudden death of its talismanic founder and leader Alex Salmond, the Alba party, with just one MSP and two local councillors, faces difficult questions.

Alex Salmond founded the Alba party in March 2021 with the aim of delivering a “supermajority” for Scottish independence in the Scottish Parliament.

In a speech he delivered at the party’s launch, the former first minister said the plan was to use the regional list mechanism in Scotland’s electoral system to mop up “nearly one million wasted SNP votes”.

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What next for the Alba party following Salmond death?

Alex Salmond discusses future plans in video posted hours before his death

18:00 , Holly Evans

Alex Salmond discusses future political plans in video posted hours before his death

Salmond left ‘fundamental footprint’ on Scottish politics, says First Minister

20:00 , Holly Evans

Scottish First Minster John Swinney said Alex Salmond “left a fundamental footprint on Scottish politics” as he paid tribute to his late former party leader.

Mr Salmond, who led the SNP before later founding the Alba party, died at the age of 69 on Saturday afternoon from a suspected heart attack during a trip to North Macedonia.

The former first minister had made a speech at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum before collapsing at lunch in a crowded room.

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Salmond left ‘fundamental footprint’ on Scottish politics, says First Minister

Actor Brian Cox calls Alex Salmond ‘one of greatest’ political thinkers

22:00 , Holly Evans

Actor Brian Cox has paid tribute to former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond, saying he was “one of the greatest political thinkers” the British Isles ever produced.

The Succession actor was friends with Mr Salmond, who died in North Macedonia at the age of 69.

Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, he said Mr Salmond was “a lot of fun”.

“He was very entertaining.”

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Actor Brian Cox calls Alex Salmond ‘one of greatest’ political thinkers